Emerald

Emerald is the birthstone for May, the gem for the zodiac sign Taurus. It is also the 2oth, the 35th and 55th wedding anniversary gemstone.

Emerald is a green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine,morganite and yellow beryl. It’s Mohs Hardness is 7.5 to 8. It’s density is lower than that of diamond, a one-carat emerald will appear larger in size than a one-carat diamond.

From pharaohs to Inca kings, emeralds have enchanted royalty. Cleopatra for example reputedly had a passion for these gems. The legendary Crown of the Andes is one example of how the Spanish revered emeralds, while the story of the Spanish galleon, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, shows to what the lengths generations of treasure hunters went to discover its sunken loot.